07.31.2023

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42º | Cloudy | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

AVLFest is ready to take over

The inaugural AVLFest is ready to take over

watchhouse performs violin and guitar at grey eagle

Check out old favorites, and discover some new ones too. | Photo by @stephanpruittphotography

We’re sure you’ve seen the posters all over Asheville. You know, the ones with print so small you have to squint to read it. That’s because AVLFest will have more than 200 acts performing on more than 20 stages.

With a plethora of acts, venues, shuttles, and more, there’s a lot of info for festival-goers to get a handle on, so let’s break down the basics.

What to expect

On Aug. 3-6, AVLFest will be presenting live music at venues all over the city as a collaboration between Worthwhile Sounds + Wicked Weed Brewing. You’ll be able to jam out to old school indie at concert halls, funk + jazz in clubs, and bluegrass under the stars. It’s about showcasing Asheville and its venues as a thriving music hub. In short, expect a really good time.

“I think that it is safe to say that most of us Ashevillians find a special joy in live music, and as a result, we have all really noticed the absence of a live music festival in Asheville,” says Wicked Weed Marketing Director Kyle Pederson. “Jeff Whitworth and Bryan Matheny felt the same and decided to be proactive in solving our shared dilemma.”

a show under pink and orange lights at asheville music hall stephen pruitt — Explore venues all over the city, like Asheville Music Hall.
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Photo by @stephanpruittphotography

How to get in and get around

You can purchase weekend passes — which give you entrance to all participating venues (until they reach capacity) — either online or in person at selected locations. Passes are $100 for general admission but don’t include the standalone shows. If you’re interested in seeing a headliner, grab individual tickets for Watchhouse on Aug. 3 or Kurt Vile & The Violators on Aug. 4.

The festival’s venues are spread out across the city, so Young Bus Lines will have four coaches running two continuous routes between locations.

Who to see

Start planning now for your must-sees and check out who’s performing — then save (or even print) the full schedule so you don’t miss a show. There are going to be some shows and venues that attract huge crowds, so the festival is a great chance to try out somewhere and someone new. And avoid standing in line.

Tune in for more

Events

Monday, July 31

Beginning Painting: Art from the Garden | Monday, July 31 | 1-3 p.m. | 183 Jupiter Rd., Weaverville | $35 | Look to the flora for some inspiration as you learn acrylic painting techniques.
Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic | Monday, July 31-Monday, Dec. 25 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Noble Cider Downtown, 49 Rankin Ave., Asheville | Free | Share your best jokes during this stand-up event, or sit back and enjoy the improv, sketch, and musical comedy.

Tuesday, Aug. 1

An A-MEOW-ZING Pop-Up Shop | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Center for Craft, 67 Biltmore St., Asheville | Free | Explore cat-inspired finds during this pop-up sale benefiting Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville.
Live Music at the Library: Jazz with Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 6-7:15 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Experience this unique approach to jazz composition and improvisation that blends styles and genres — no registration required.
Full Moon Forest Bathing | Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 7:45-10:45 p.m. | Olivette Riverside Community & Farm, 1069 Olivette Rd., Asheville | $45 | Enjoy a gentle, mindful stroll along the French Broad River as the sun sets and the full moon rises.

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Dirty Heads | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 5:30 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $49.50-$55 | Chill out to some reggae rock alongside Lupe Fiasco, Little Stranger, and Bikini Trill on the Island Glow tour.
Music to Your Ears Discussion Series | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr., Ste. D, Asheville | $10 | Bill Kopp, author and music journalist, and Damon Goldman, leader of Tom Petty tribute band Somewhat Petty, will lead this month’s discussion on the legendary group.

Thursday, Aug. 3

All Arts Open Mic | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Prepare a five-minute original piece in your chosen medium — from storytelling to music, comedy to dance — or sit back and enjoy the performers.
Tales From All Over the Place | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr., Weaverville | Free | Prepare to be entertained and delighted by WNC storytellers as they share both personal and traditional tales.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival | Thursday, Aug. 3-Saturday, Aug. 5 | Times vary | UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium, 300 Library Ln., Asheville | Celebrate Southern Appalachian heritage and culture with bluegrass, storytelling, dancing, and more.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Civic

🍃 What to know about Asheville’s updated yard waste ordinance

A girl and her grandfather raking leaves.

The City of Asheville will no longer pick up yard waste in plastic bags. | Photo via Pexels

Beginning tomorrow, Aug. 1, City of Asheville residents will no longer be permitted to use plastic bags for leaf and yard waste collection. Why? It’s part of an initiative to reduce single-use plastic in the 828.

Here’s what to use instead:

Paper yard waste bags
Reusable containers marked “Yard Waste”
Heavy duty woven polypropylene yard waste bags

Pro tip: Composting your leaves is a great way reduce collection resources + improve your backyard’s soil and garden beds.

What happens if you keep using plastic

News Notes

Theater

More than two-dozen playwrights are ruminating on the concept of home for the Magnetic Theatre’s 4th annual One-Act Play Festival. The festival will be Aug. 4-13 with Thursday-Saturday showcases at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday showcases at 4 p.m.

Eat

The Hop Ice Cream and Chill Cereal Bar are here to fulfill your childhood dreams by serving up ice cream for breakfast. The two will team up on Saturday, Aug. 5, 8-11am at The Hop’s Merrimon Ave. shop to offer special flavors, toppings from Chill, and a new sundae.

Pets

Keep an eye out for a 75-pound, 26-year-old tortoise wandering the area. Sid has escaped, and his owners are eager to get their beloved reptile back. If you happen upon him, make a call to either the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office or Animal Control. (WLOS)

Cause

This fundraiser will bowl you over. St. John in the Wilderness Church is hosting Empty Bowls on Sunday, Aug. 13 to benefit the Flat Rock Backback Program, a nonprofit that combats childhood hunger in the area. Local pottery artists have donated hand-crafted bowls, and each event ticket includes one of the bowls and a soup-based meal.

Family

Since 1906, the YMCA has been America’s most trusted authority in teaching safety around water + swimming instruction. In addition to nurturing techniques and skills, lessons teach self-esteem and create positive experiences that will last a lifetime. Pro tip: YMCA members get the best rates + advance registration.*

Travel

Fuel up on cash back for your next road trip. Download Upside to get cash back on gas, grocery, and restaurant purchases at 50,000+ locations across the country. Use code AVL25 to earn an extra 25 cents per gallon.*

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

AI seems to be everywhere these days (even we leaned into the Barbie fervor with some AI-imagined Asheville Barbie Dreamhouses) — and fashion is no exception. The Madison County Arts Council is hosting a community fashion show that’s part design, part comedy, and all AI-themed. Step into the future on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

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